The pro-paddle crowd offered even less persuasive arguments — mostly anecdotes about how paddling turned a life around and how, if appropriately administered, corporal punishment can negate the need for more serious discipline down the road.

I don't doubt the individual accounts are true and heartfelt. But that is not the point.

I haven't taught elementary school or served as a principal. I don't have the real-life experience of some paddle proponents.

That is not the point, either.

Evidence and experience matter. We check the data before we do anything, from buying a car to choosing a breakfast cereal. We rely on common sense and reports from the front lines.

But this is a philosophical issue.

Stats and stories can help people determine their philosophy on an important social issue. But I suspect most people have made up their minds on such fundamental questions of the day.

Death penalty opponents point to long, appellate-driven delays as a reason to abolish the needle.

What if execution were swift and sure? Would that change opponents' view?

I doubt it.

Reasonable people can disagree on philosophical matters, including paddling.

I'm not outraged or scandalized. I'm stunned.

Three people, elected countywide by a majority of voters, have a view on an important issue that is quite different than mine.

I know this kind of thing can happen. I just didn't see this one coming.

Jim Ross can be reached at 671-6412 or jim.ross@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter @jimross96

<p>The School Board erred when it brought back paddling as a discipline option.</p><p>This is an issue of philosophy.</p><p>My philosophy: Schools shouldn't paddle; it's not their place.</p><p>To recap: This only involves elementary schools. Parental permission is required. Maximum one paddling per semester.</p><p>Preceding the 3-2 vote were limp arguments offered in opposition and support.</p><p>Opponents: When paddling was abolished three years ago and additional behavior specialists were brought on board, out-of-school suspensions and referrals dropped.</p><p>Great. But so what?</p><p>What if suspensions and referrals had increased? Stayed the same? Would it change your view on paddling?</p><p>It wouldn't change mine. Schools shouldn't paddle; it's not their place.</p><p>Some people worried about lawsuits. What if there were a law that completely prohibited paddling-related lawsuits? Would that change your view on paddling?</p><p>It wouldn't change mine. Schools shouldn't paddle; it's not their place.</p><p>The pro-paddle crowd offered even less persuasive arguments — mostly anecdotes about how paddling turned a life around and how, if appropriately administered, corporal punishment can negate the need for more serious discipline down the road.</p><p>I don't doubt the individual accounts are true and heartfelt. But that is not the point.</p><p>I haven't taught elementary school or served as a principal. I don't have the real-life experience of some paddle proponents.</p><p>That is not the point, either.</p><p>Evidence and experience matter. We check the data before we do anything, from buying a car to choosing a breakfast cereal. We rely on common sense and reports from the front lines.</p><p>But this is a philosophical issue.</p><p>Stats and stories can help people determine their philosophy on an important social issue. But I suspect most people have made up their minds on such fundamental questions of the day.</p><p>Death penalty opponents point to long, appellate-driven delays as a reason to abolish the needle.</p><p>What if execution were swift and sure? Would that change opponents' view?</p><p>I doubt it.</p><p>Reasonable people can disagree on philosophical matters, including paddling.</p><p>I'm not outraged or scandalized. I'm stunned.</p><p>Three people, elected countywide by a majority of voters, have a view on an important issue that is quite different than mine.</p><p>I know this kind of thing can happen. I just didn't see this one coming.</p><p><I>Jim Ross can be reached at 671-6412 or jim.ross@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter @jimross96</i></p>